You walk into your living room and let out a sigh. The beige walls and dated floral couch scream uninviting no matter how you try to spice it up with throw pillows and blankets. Sound familiar? Many people feel stuck with a dull or outdated living room aesthetic. The good news is a talented interior painter can help you transform the space with a simple paint job. Read on for tips on using paint to give your uninspiring living room new life.

Assess the Current Vibe

Before calling in an interior painter, analyze what you don't like about your living room. Make a list of words that describe the current space. Do terms like bland, bare, cold, or characterless come to mind? Pinpointing the vibe that makes you cringe sets the stage for change. You’ll also want to identify what’s not working visually. Do you detest the wall color? Does outdated decor clash? Defining what needs freshening guides your interior painter on what areas need updating with paint.

Determine a Color Scheme

Color choice plays a huge role in creating the aesthetic and mood you want. When working with an interior painter, explore color scheme options that’ll give your living room the style you crave. A vibrant scheme in bold crimson or cobalt blue elicits an exotic, adventurous impression. Maybe you’d prefer energizing yellows or greens for a cheerful space. Earthy beiges and browns promote a calm, grounded look. Your interior painter can help you land on hues to align with your dreams for the space. Communicate adjectives you’re aiming for, like airy, charming, bold or zen. This gives them direction to select colors tailored to their vision.

Figure Out Accent Wall Potential

Strategically placed accent walls can make a room’s whole aesthetic. Work with your interior painter to decide if one stands out as an obvious focal point. This section of the living room tends to be the first the eye goes to. Often, a dominant wall behind the couch or entertainment unit calls for accent wall status. A bold color concentrated on one area makes it pop, while neutral walls allow its richness to shine. An attention-grabbing statement wall pulls the room together into a polished, purposeful aesthetic.

Select Sheens for Each Section

Sheen refers to paint's shininess ranging from almost none to nearly reflective. Have your interior painter explain finishes from flat to high-gloss. Where you use each type matters for showcasing or hiding a wall’s flaws. Flat sheen works wonders for hiding imperfections, but some consider its total matte finish too dull for main living areas. A pearl or eggshell luster enhances without going overboard on shine. Consider them for most walls. Save glossy sheens for making architectural details shine, like crown molding. Their slick appearance amplifies, so flaws must get extreme prep. Trust your interior painter’s tips on finishes for each space's needs.

Prep Surfaces for Success

Thorough prep paves the way for your interior painter to execute an immaculate paint job. They’ll assess all surfaces for damage, then put in work to make them pristine. This process may involve sanding peeling spots to smoothness, filling holes with spackle, and adding extra sealant on patched cracks. Proper prep removes blemishes for paint to adhere correctly, so surfaces look flawless. Don’t skip steps to slash costs, or you’ll sacrifice long-lasting results. Invest in prep for paint with true sticking power.

Ponder Paint Techniques for Added Dimension

Beyond covering surfaces with color, paint techniques create textured elegance. Have your interior painter suggest special touches aligning with your aesthetic goals, like sponging in tones over base colors for a vintage vibe, rag rolling for a cottage-like finish, or using trowels for subtle dimension. Such methods introduce warmth and artistry over basic painted walls. Consult your interior painter on which technique suits the mood you want to set. The right techniques personalize the space through added depth and visual interest.

Reimagining your living room’s unsightly aesthetic lies within reach, with an interior painter as your guide. Arm them with your vision through chosen hues and enhancements like accent walls and special techniques. Invest time upfront in making objective style decisions for the interior painter to work their magic. Soon you’ll have a revitalized living room to enjoy and invite others into with open arms proudly. According to House Grail, in 2021 interior painting was one of the top home service projects. If you're ready to change up the look and feel of your home with interior painting, reach out to OCS Contracting Services today.